Better spec and style revealed for Hyundai's new Sonata

WHILE seemingly every other car manufacturer revealed new cars at last week's Geneva Motor Show, Hyundai quietly unveiled its heavily revised Sonata sedan in Korea ahead of its Australian arrival by the middle of this year.

2017 Hyundai Sonata

A refresh is much needed however as the styling is looking a tad dated, while cabin features and safety technology are now lagging behind key rivals.

Judging by pictures of the new Sonata the styling has been sharpened, but it still looks conservative rather than breathtaking.

The design language appears more aligned to smaller Hyundais as opposed to the more striking luxury large Genesis models, but certainly the new Sonata's rear end in particular ups the classiness.

2017 Hyundai Sonata

We'll have to see which safety systems will be included as standard on each grade of Sonata for Australia, but we're promised the option of Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

Australia's current Sonata comes with either a 2.4-litre petrol or 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine.

The Korean reveal of the new model suggest there'll be a 1.6-litre turbo petrol with paddle shifters, while the carried over 2.0-litre turbo will now use an eight-speed auto rather than the current six-speed.